How to Remove and Replace a Kitchen Tap Spout – A Simple DIY Guide

If your kitchen tap spout has become loose, started leaking around the base, or is damaged, you may not need to replace the entire tap. On most kitchen mixer taps, the spout can be removed and replaced separately, making it a quick and cost-effective repair.

Follow the steps below to safely remove and refit your kitchen tap spout.

Before You Start

It is always a good idea to isolate the water supply first using the isolation valves under your sink or by turning off the mains water.  It is also a good idea to put the sink plug in place or cover the plughole with a cloth to prevent small screws or parts from falling down the drain.

Tools You May Need

• Allen keys (usually 2mm or 2.5mm)
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Adjustable spanner
• Soft cloth
• Penetrating oil or WD-40 (if required)
• Silicone grease (for lubricating O-rings)

Step 1: Locate the Spout Retaining Screw

Most swivel kitchen tap spouts are secured by either a small grub screw located at the rear or underside of the tap body, or a locking nut at the base of the spout.

Step 2: Remove the Retaining Screw

Using the correct Allen key or screwdriver, loosen the retaining grub screw or unscrew the locking nut. Keep any screws or parts somewhere safe while you work. 

Step 3: Remove the Spout

Hold the spout firmly and pull it straight upwards while gently twisting from side to side.  Make sure you are in over the tap when pulling the spout upright.  If it feels stuck, apply a little penetrating oil or WD-40 around the base and leave it for a few minutes. Limescale and debris can make the spout difficult to remove, so avoid using excessive force. Using a cloth can help protect the tap's finish.

Step 4: Inspect the Spout

When the spout is removed, inspect it for worn O-rings, cracks, corrosion or tiny pinholes. Worn O-rings are the most common cause of leaks around the base of a swivel spout and are cheap to replace.  If you notice pinholes, cracks or heavy corrosion, the spout itself will need replacing, as these faults cannot usually be repaired. We supply replacement spouts for a wide range of kitchen taps, allowing you to restore your tap without the cost of replacing the entire unit.

Step 5: Refit the Spout

Before refitting, clean the inside of the tap body and remove any limescale or debris.  Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the new or existing O-rings to help the spout slide back into place and maintain a smooth swivel action.  Carefully align the spout with the tap body and push it fully into place. Tighten the retaining screw or locking nut until secure, taking care not to overtighten.  Rotate the spout to check it moves smoothly without wobbling.

Need Help Identifying Your Spout?

If you are unsure which replacement spout or O-rings you need, take clear photographs of the tap, the removed spout, any markings or logos and contact us via our "identify my tap" form, so we can advise further.

How to Replace a Kitchen Tap Handle – A Simple DIY Guide

If your kitchen tap handle has started to feel loose, or the handle has become damaged, you do not need to replace the entire tap. In many cases, simply replacing the handle will restore your tap to new.

The good news is that most kitchen tap handles can be replaced in just a few minutes using basic household tools.

Before You Start

If you are only removing the handle, you usually won't need to turn off the water supply. However, if you plan to replace the cartridge or carry out any internal repairs, always isolate the water supply first using the isolation valves under the sink or turn off the mains water.

It is also a good idea to put the sink plug in place or place a cloth over the plughole before you begin. This helps prevent small screws from accidentally falling down the drain during the repair.

Tools You May Need

• Allen keys (usually 2mm or 2.5mm)
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Adjustable spanner
• Soft cloth
• Penetrating oil (if the handle is seized)

Step 1: Identify How Your Handle Is Fixed

Kitchen tap handles are attached in several different ways.

• Grub Screw - This is by far the most common design on modern lever taps.  Look underneath or behind the handle for a small hole containing an Allen grub screw. Insert the correct Allen key and loosen the screw. The handle should then slide off.

• Phillips Screw Behind Indicator Cap - Some taps hide the retaining screw beneath a red and blue hot/cold indicator cap or a chrome cover.  Carefully lift the cap using a small flat screwdriver to reveal the fixing screw underneath.

• Pull-Off Handle - Certain manufacturers use push-fit handles that simply pull away from the cartridge spindle. These can become tight over time due to limescale, so gentle wriggling while pulling usually helps.

• Screw-On Handle - Less commonly, the handle itself unscrews from the tap body. If you can't find any visible fixing screws, check whether the entire handle rotates off.

Step 2: Remove the Handle Carefully

Once the screw has been removed, pull the handle away from the tap. If it is stuck, apply a little penetrating oil or WD-40 and leave it for a few minutes. Limescale and debris can make handles difficult to remove, so avoid using excessive force. Using a cloth can also help protect the tap's finish. With the handle removed you will normally see, the ceramic cartridge and a shroud or cover.

If you are replacing a leaking valve at the same time, start by removing the shroud from your tap if it has one (not all taps include a removable shroud). You can then access the valve using a suitable spanner. For more information, see our other blog, “7 Easy Steps to Replace a Valve.

Step 3: Refit the Handle

Align the new handle with the spindle and push it firmly into place. Tighten the grub screw or retaining screw until the handle is secure, then replace any decorative cap. Check that the handle moves smoothly and operates the tap correctly without any wobble.

Common Problems

The Grub Screw Won't Move - Apply penetrating oil or WD40 and allow it to soak before trying again.

The Handle Is Stuck - Limescale and corrosion often sticks the handle to the spindle. Gentle wriggling motions usually work better than excessive force.

I Can't Find Any Screw - Look carefully underneath the handle, behind the lever or behind indicatdor caps. Some handles are simply push-fit or threaded.

Still Need Help With Your Tap? - Email Us here with pictures of your tap and part

How to Replace an O-Ring Kit on a Dual Lever Tap

Step-by-step guide to fixing leaks from the spout, including pinhole damage checks and fitting tips.

A leaking tap or water dripping from around the bottom of the spout is usually caused by worn O-rings. These rubber seals are essential for keeping water inside the tap body, but over time they can flatten, split, or perish due to regular use and limescale build-up.

Replacing an O-ring kit is a simple repair that can restore your tap using basic tools.

• Tools Required
• Replacement O-ring kit
• Adjustable spanner
• Soft cloth
• Silicone grease (recommended)
• Small screwdriver or Allen key (depending on tap)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn Off Water Supply
Shut off isolation valves or mains water and open the tap to release pressure.

2. Remove the Spout
Most dual lever kitchen taps have a small grub screw at the back of the tap or a locking nut at the base of the spout. Remove the grub screw with an allen key or loosen the locking nut by turning it anti-clockwise. Gently lift or twist the spout free ensuring you are in over the tap whilst pulling the spout upwards.  You can put a cloth around the spout if you are worried about damaging the finish.
 
3. Remove Old O-Rings
Locate O-rings on the base of the spout. Carefully remove using a small flat screwdriver or even your finger nail.  We recommend only replacing the black rubber rings unless the white PTF ring looks damaged or perished.  Please note, there is meant to be a gap within the white ring. Clean grooves thoroughly to remove limescale and debris.
 
4. Fit New O-Rings
Lightly lubricate with silicone grease.  Do not use vaseline as that will perish the rubber rings.  Fit into grooves without twisting or stretching.  Ensure they sit evenly.
 
5. Refit the Spout
Put spout back into the body of the tap.  Ensure smooth rotation and full seating. Tighten back the grub screw / locking nut.
 
6. Turn water back on and test
Turn water back on and check for leaks around the spout base.

Common Problems

If the tap still leaks after replacing O-rings, inspect the spout carefully.  In some older or heavily used taps, pinholes can develop in the spout body due to internal corrosion. These tiny holes can allow water to escape even when new seals are fitted.

Look for:

Fine sprays or misting from the spout body

Corrosion near the base of the spout

Persistent leaking after seal replacement

Damp patches around the spout during use

If this occurs, the spout will need replacing, not just the O-rings.

Replacing O-rings is one of the quickest and most cost-effective tap repairs. However, correct sizing is essential, as kits vary between manufacturers and tap models.

If you are unsure which O-ring kit you need, TapSparesUK can help identify the correct replacement parts based on a photo of your tap.  Contact us via our "identify my tap" form, so we can advise further.